Tuesday 05 May 2009

Background

From the earliest days, Christian believers have been known forwanting to tell others about their faith in Jesus. In some timesand places, throughout Christian history, there have been examplesof this activity leading to controversy and persecution. As theearly Christian movement emerged from its Jewish origins, andembraced a wide variety of new believers, it was perceived in somequarters as a subversive and dangerous new sect.

Much of Jesus' teaching, as repeated by his enthusiastic earlyfollowers, challenged the religious establishment. He offered newinsights into God, particularly emphasising the power of love andforgiveness rather than ritual and observance.

It's not surprising therefore that the early converts were excitedabout this new way of religious life, and wanted to encourageothers to follow the same way. You can feel the excitement here inLuke's writing as he describes great numbers of people turning tothe Lord and becoming believers (verses 21-24).

Luke's final sentence records a very significant turning point inthe life of the early believers. Up to this time they had usedvarious slightly obscure ways of describing their identity, usingphrases such as 'followers of The Way' - possibly because of thecontroversy and persecution that they might have faced. But now, weread, they took on the label 'Christians' for the first time.

To Ponder

How do you think Christian believers should goabout telling others of their faith?

What does the label 'Christian' mean to you?

Is persecution something to be avoided? Why doyou think this way?